South Carolina Next State To Sanction MMA

News Channel 7 in South Carolina is reporting that Mixed Martial Arts could be sanctioned by the state as early as tomorrow (Wednesday, May 14th). A bill will be debated on Wednesday by the State’s Senate subcommittee. Why the sudden urge? Well according to Michael Tyler, chairman of the South Carolina State Athletic Commission, “financially, we’re talking millions–millions of dollars not only in ticket sales but also in restaurants, hotels. It’s going to boost the economy.”

It’s always about the money, but it makes a lot of sense. North Carolina already sanctions the sport, and it’s a lot safer than the Toughman competitions that the state already allows.

The report goes on to say that the UFC has already scouted venues in South Carolina to host the UFC’s possible first event in the state.

Here’s an excerpt from the story:

Mursch says Ultimate Fighting Championship has already toured the Colonial Center in Columbia and it’s the kind of venue the promoter would like to use. It holds about 18,000 people and the state would get 5 percent of the ticket sales.

But the bill is fighting the calendar. It hasn’t passed yet in the House or Senate, and there are only four weeks left in the legislative session.